7 FOODS THAT WILL FEED YOUR BRAIN
Author: Nik Aumentado
When preparing for the College Entrance Tests (CET), attaining knowledge is important but just the same, it is crucial to retain what you learned. What we tend to forget is that while we are feeding our brain a wealth of information, we also need to supply proper nutrients for it to work effectively. Here are some foods and beverages that will help keep your brain alert and ready to study!
1. Coffee
The reality is, the mood to study does not often come because of various factors like sleepiness, stress, and other distractions. However, this does not mean that you should surrender to your mood, and no longer study. To stay focused and awake, a cup of coffee may help because of its main ingredient, caffeine, fights drowsiness and activates the mind. This is probably why many students choose to review and do their schoolwork in cafés. However, as with other kinds of food and beverage, moderation is the key to maximize the benefits of coffee.
2. Apples
If you opt not to take caffeine, apples also have the power to activate the mind minus the side effects of coffee. According to a research from Cornell University, “13 grams of natural sugar” can be found in apples which give you sufficient energy to stay awake without “jolts, mood swings, anxiety, jitters or the dreaded crash.” If you do not want to eat plain apples, you can be creative and whip up your very own apple salad.
3. Greens
Not only are veggies healthy for you, they also boost your memory. According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, it is advisable to eat “Cruciferous ones” (e.g., cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, etc.) and “dark leafy greens” if you want to sharpen your memory. For those who are not fond of eating vegetables, a serving of coleslaw is recommended because of its creaminess and mild flavor. The usual green salad is an option too.
4. Seafood
Seafood has omega-3 fatty acids which the brain needs in order to function well. As stated by Andrea Giancoli, Registered Dietitian (RD) and former spokesperson of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, “DHA is the most abundant fatty acid in the brain. It makes sense that if you have higher levels of DHA in your blood, then the brain will operate more efficiently.” So, go ahead, and indulge in your seafood favorites such as sashimi, salmon sinigang, or tuna pie.
5. Nuts
There’s nothing wrong with eating a pack of almonds, cashews, pistachios, or peanuts when studying! Nuts have fiber and protein which delays your hunger, therefore preventing you from overeating or stress-eating.
6. Dark Chocolate
These bitter bites have natural stimulants that improve blood flow to the brain, which helps in concentration. In addition, dark chocolates contain a lot of antioxidants and endorphins which will make you feel better while studying.
7. Green Tea
An alternative to coffee for the late night studies, green tea offers you the energy without the jitters. In addition, drinking tea helps with your ability to learn and remember what you studied. This is all thanks to stimulants such as L-theanine and EGCG.
Bonne chance and bon appétit!
Sources:
Fixer. (2014, April 30). Need help with studying and stress? Drink some tea to deal with both! Limered Teahouse. Retrieved from: http://limeredteahouse.com/
Medwid, L. (2014, April 23). The best study snack for finals! Her Campus at TUFTS University. Retrieved from: https://www.hercampus.com/
Moore, M. (2016, November 18). 4 types of foods to help boost your memory. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Retrieved from: http://www.eatright.org/
Reichardt, A. (2015, July 2). Are apples better than coffee. Cornell University. Retrieved from: https://blogs.cornell.edu/
Photo from: https://www.pexels.com/photo/